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What time is the partial lunar eclipse on Aug. 27-28? Here's when to see the 96% 'blood moon'
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A dramatic partial lunar eclipse is set to illuminate the night sky on August 27-28, offering a stunning celestial event for millions across the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This eclipse will be the last significant lunar event until New Year's Eve 2028, making it a prime opportunity for skywatchers. The spectacle occurs as nearly the entire moon slips into Earth's shadow.
At its peak, scheduled for 12:12 a.m. EDT (0412 GMT) on August 28, an impressive 96.2% of the lunar surface will be engulfed by Earth's dark umbral shadow. This deep coverage will leave only a sliver of the moon directly illuminated, while the rest may take on a characteristic reddish-orange hue, creating what is often called a 'blood moon.' The event will begin when the moon enters Earth's faint outer penumbral shadow at 9:23 p.m. EDT (0123 GMT) on August 27.
The timeline of the eclipse includes several key moments. The partial eclipse phase, where the dark shadow becomes clearly visible, commences at 10:33 p.m. EDT (0233 GMT). This partial phase will conclude at 1:51 a.m. EDT (0551 GMT), with the entire penumbral eclipse ending at 3:01 a.m. EDT (0701 GMT).
Visibility will vary significantly by location. Observers in North and South America are ideally positioned to view the entire eclipse sequence from start to finish. For those in Europe, the event will occur during the early morning of August 28, with the moon setting while the partial eclipse is still underway. From London, for example, maximum eclipse will happen at 5:12 a.m. BST, just over an hour before the moon disappears below the horizon.
Unlike a solar eclipse, no special protective equipment is needed to view this lunar eclipse. People can simply look up to the night sky. For an enhanced experience, binoculars or a telescope can provide a detailed view of Earth's shadow moving across the lunar surface.
This event presents an excellent opportunity for photography. Experts recommend specific techniques and equipment for capturing the eclipse. Astrophotography enthusiasts are encouraged to share their images, contributing to the global documentation of this 'almost blood moon' event, which promises to be one of the year's most impressive astronomical displays.
